Goldman bets on Biogen's potential 'blockbuster' Alzheimer's drug

: Q&A with Dr. Manny: “My family members have Alzheimer’s disease. Does that mean I’ll inherit it?

On Wednesday, Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) released its Americas Conviction List, adding biotech stock Biogen (NASDAQ:BIIB) to its list of companies with serious upside potential due to its pipeline of Alzheimer’s drugs.

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“It is difficult to overstate the growing societal burden of [Alzheimer’s Disease], which should make the disease a key public health focus,” said Goldman analyst Terence Flynn.

“Approximately one-third of people aged 85 and older develop AD. By 2050, one new case of AD is expected to develop every 33 seconds in the United States, or nearly a million new cases per year.”

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Goldman cites Biogen’s lead pipeline Alzheimer’s drug – Aducanumab – as a major catalyst for the stock moving forward. The drug, which is in phase 3 trials, could be the first disease modifying drug on the market, according to Goldman. The Wall Street giant predicts sales of the drug, if approved, could reach $12 billion.

Goldman sees 17% upside for Biogen over the next year, with a price target of $338 per share. On Wednesday, shares of Biogen rose nearly 2% during the trading session after Goldman issued its highest rating to Biogen in the form of the “conviction buy.”